Ectoparasitic Arthropods Research Articles

Morphological and molecular data on the bat flies, Basilia silvae (Brèthes, 1913) and Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844 parasitizing Chilean bats.

Among mammals, bats harbour the greatest taxonomic diversity of ectoparasitic arthropods. This is mainly due to their high mobility, wide distribution range and gregarious social behaviour. In Chile, 17 species of bats have been reported; however, their ectoparasitic arthropofauna has been little studied. There are currently 12 taxa recorded, belonging to two classes and associated with only four species of bats. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of parasitic flies associated with bats in three ecoregions: Atacama Desert, Chilean Matorral and Valdivian temperate forest. During 2021, using mist nets, bats were captured in Anzota caves (Atacama Desert ecoregion), Huelquén and Alto Jahuel (Chilean Matorral ecoregion), Cherquenco and San Patricio (Valdivian temperate forest). Each bat was carefully checked during a 15-min interval for the collection of ectoparasites. The arthropods were deposited in vials with 96% ethanol. A total of 26 bats corresponding to three species (Vespertilionidae: Histiotus magellanicus Philippi, 1866, Myotis arescens (Osgood, 1943); Phyllostomidae: Desmodus rotundus (Geoffroy, 1810)) were captured from which a total of 142 ectoparasitic arthropods were collected. Bat flies were separated/identified under a stereomicroscope. Additionally, from the fieldwork, we report the presence of other ectoparasites associated with Chilean bats. In our study, we report new host-parasite associations between Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844 (Diptera: Streblidae) on D. rotundus, and Basilia silvae (Brèthes, 1913) (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) in M. arescens in Chile. Our study extended the latitudinal range of distribution for B. silvae to Araucanía region, and we report for first time T. parasiticus in the country. Additionally, partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene were obtained from these specimens. Although there is slight morphological variation in the specimens of T. parasiticus, phylogenetic analyses suggest that they correspond to the same species. The sequences generated for B. silvae represent the first for the species. Authors recommend the use of an integrative approach in the identification of ectoparasites in poorly studied ecoregions and hosts. The integration of different markers is necessary to determine more precisely the phylogenetic relationships between South American populations and species of the genera Basilia and Trichobius.

Ixodes ricinus as potential vector for Usutu virus.

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging flavivirus that is maintained in an enzootic cycle with mosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts. In Europe, the virus has caused mass mortality of wild birds, mainly among Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) populations. While mosquitoes are the primary vectors for USUV, Common Blackbirds and other avian species are exposed to other arthropod ectoparasites, such as ticks. It is unknown, however, if ticks can maintain and transmit USUV. We addressed this question using in vitro and in vivo experiments and field collected data. USUV replicated in IRE/CTVM19 Ixodes ricinus tick cells and in injected ticks. Moreover, I. ricinus nymphs acquired the virus via artificial membrane blood-feeding and maintained the virus for at least 70 days. Transstadial transmission of USUV from nymphs to adults was confirmed in 4.9% of the ticks. USUV disseminated from the midgut to the haemocoel, and was transmitted via the saliva of the tick during artificial membrane blood-feeding. We further explored the role of ticks by monitoring USUV in questing ticks and in ticks feeding on wild birds in the Netherlands between 2016 and 2019. In total, 622 wild birds and the Ixodes ticks they carried were tested for USUV RNA. Of these birds, 48 (7.7%) carried USUV-positive ticks. The presence of negative-sense USUV RNA in ticks, as confirmed via small RNA-sequencing, showed active virus replication. In contrast, we did not detect USUV in 15,381 questing ticks collected in 2017 and 2019. We conclude that I. ricinus can be infected with USUV and can transstadially and horizontally transmit USUV. However, in comparison to mosquito-borne transmission, the role of I. ricinus ticks in the epidemiology of USUV is expected to be minor.

Back from Exile? First Records of Chewing Lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) in Growing Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) Populations from Northern Germany.

Arthropod ectoparasites of aquatic wildlife often have complex relationships with their host species that have developed over long evolutionary time scales. Specialist parasite occurrence might depend on these hosts' distributions. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations are recovering in Northern German federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Chewing lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) are considered otter-specific yet rare parasites in their known range. In 2022, they were recorded for the first time on nine otters found dead in Northern Germany. All otters originated from the years 2021-2022 and were dissected during population health monitoring programs in 2022. Females (n = 6) were 0-5.5 years old and showed signs of disease in five cases. Males (n = 3), in contrast, were 0-1.6 years old and showed disease in a single case. Individual lice intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 75 specimens per otter. No direct adverse health effects of chewing lice on the otters were noted. Lutridia exilis morphological characteristics were documented and measurements were taken to study specialized adaptations that allow lice to attach to semi-aquatic otters. In addition, morphology was compared between lice from different geographical regions and specimens from previous reports. A region of the COI mDNA was amplified to molecularly characterize L. exilis for the first time and detect genetic differences between otter lice populations in Germany. It is believed that specialist parasites reduce in numbers even before their host populations decline. Recovering otter populations in Northern Germany could be an example of a reverse effect, where the comeback of a host species results in the return of a specialist parasite, which reflects an ultimate boost in overall species biodiversity.

Chemical aposematism: the potential for non‐host odours in avian defence

Many birds display plumage coloration and patterns that act as visual aposematic and mimetic signals for predators. Avian aposematism can also be communicated via chemical cues, where so‐called non‐host odours (NHO) emitted from the plumage, the uropygial (preen) gland or other chemical sources denote the status of birds as dangerous or unprofitable hosts for ectoparasitic and haematophagous arthropods. Avian NHO are aposematic signals that in natural concentrations repel nuisance arthropods or inhibit their attraction to hosts, as opposed to being generally unpalatable or toxic to predators. Birds that emit NHO preempt encounters with nuisance arthropods and the pathogens they transmit. Nuisance arthropods that respond to NHO avoid birds that exhibit disabling behavioural, anatomical, physiological and/or chemical defences. As with distinctive plumage patterns that evolved as visual warnings to predators, birds are selected to advertise their non‐host status to nuisance arthropods via distinctive semiochemicals. Short‐chain (C6–C10) aldehydes emitted from the plumage of some birds may act as NHO against a variety of nuisance arthropods. In some birds, the size of the uropygial gland (and presumably its secretory output) is negatively correlated with the degree of ectoparasite infestation or the incidence of malarial infection, thus implicating uropygial secretions in defence against dipteran vectors of haemosporidian pathogens. A field experiment demonstrates that volatiles emanating from the uropygial gland of the Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops deter some biting flies. Birds' risky habit of plucking hair from live mammals and incorporating the stolen hair tufts into their nests is hypothesized to serve as a mechanism of appropriating NHO from mammalian skin secretions for nest defence against arthropods. Feathers plucked from heterospecifics and shed snake skins that are incorporated into nests also may emit NHO. Behavioural assays measuring the repellence or attraction‐inhibition of arthropods are needed to elucidate avian NHO. Experimental efforts to elucidate the underlying defences that support avian NHO entail challenges that include the enactment of defences that are variously effective against different arthropods, and the emission of chemical signals that are variously ‘understood’, i.e. avoided, by different arthropods.

Of mice, ticks, and fleas: host behaviour and co-occurring parasites

Host behaviour should be a key determinant of the acquisition of “sit-and-wait” and nidicolous ectoparasitic arthropods that ambush the host in their environment and/or nest. Here, we tested the association between parasitism and individual differences in exploratory and grooming behaviours in white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque, 1818)), the primary host for the black-legged tick ( Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821) in its larval stage. During 4333 captures of 1035 individual mice over five summers (2016–2020) in Ontario, Canada, the probability and intensity of tick parasitism were both significantly higher when the mouse was also parasitized by fleas, suggesting co-occurrence of these two parasites on host mice. Distance moved by mice in a novel environment was negatively and positively affected by tick and flea parasitism, respectively. Interestingly, there was a significant “tick × flea” statistical interaction on distance moved, such that fleas were positively associated with activity/exploration only when ticks were absent. There was no relationship between grooming behaviour and parasite presence. This study suggests that co-occurring parasite species (ticks and fleas) may differentially affect their host's behaviour depending on the presence/absence of the other parasite on the host. Alternatively, host behaviour may differentially affect individual susceptibility to being infested with ticks, fleas, or both.

Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain

Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500-3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development-this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.

First record of the flying fox bat fly Cyclopodia horsfieldi de Meijere, 1899 (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea: Nycteribiidae) on Ursula Island, Philippines

Cyclopodia horsfieldi de Meijere, 1899 is an Old World nycteribiid bat fly primarily ectoparasitic to flying foxes (Pteropodidae). This is the first record of C. horsfieldi on Ursula Island, Philippines. This represents the first report of an ectoparasitic arthropod on bats in this protected area.

A review of mites and ticks parasitizing rock lizards (Lacertidae: Darevskia).

Rock lizards of the genus Darevskia are interesting research models due to their asexual reproduction. Ectoparasitic mites and ticks of these lizards are poorly known, despite some of these chelicerates being vector pathogens of humans and wildlife. Here we document and curate previously known data on ectoparasitic Acari of rock lizards and, based on our extensive survey, provide an annotated list of these ectoparasitic arthropods (six tick species, one macronyssid species, and seven chigger species). We also provide new host records (Ixodes ricinus on Darevskia caucasica, D. dryada, D. mixta, and D. szczerbaki; Haemaphysalis sulcata on D. rudis; Odontacarus saxicolis on D. brauneri); and new geographical records (O. saxicolis in Russia and Georgia).

Integrative Alternative Tactics for Ixodid Control.

Simple SummaryHard ticks are important for economic and health reasons, and control has mainly relied upon use of synthetic acaricides. Contemporary development of resistance and concerns relating to health and environmental safety have elicited exploration into alternative tactics for hard tick management. Some examples of alternative tactics involve biological control, desiccant dusts, growth regulators, vaccines, cultural methods, and ingested medications.Ixodids (hard ticks), ectoparasitic arthropods that vector the causal agents of many serious diseases of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, have become increasingly difficult to control because of the development of resistance against commonly applied synthetic chemical-based acaricides. Resistance has prompted searches for alternative, nonconventional control tactics that can be used as part of integrated ixodid management strategies and for mitigating resistance to conventional acaricides. The quest for alternative control tactics has involved research on various techniques, each influenced by many factors, that have achieved different degrees of success. Alternative approaches include cultural practices, ingested and injected medications, biological control, animal- and plant-based substances, growth regulators, and inert desiccant dusts. Research on biological control of ixodids has mainly focused on predators, parasitoid wasps, infective nematodes, and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Studies on animal-based substances have been relatively limited, but research on botanicals has been extensive, including whole plant, extract, and essential oil effects on ixodid mortality, behavior, and reproduction. The inert dusts kaolin, silica gel, perlite, and diatomaceous earth are lethal to ixodids, and they are impervious to environmental degradation, unlike chemical-based toxins, remaining effective until physically removed.

Recombinant cysteine proteinase as anti-tick targeting Hyalomma asiaticum infestation

Cysteine proteases are involved in the digestion of host blood and the degradation of yolk proteins of arthropod ectoparasites. In this study, a cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase gene (HasCPL) of Hyalomma asiaticum was cloned, and recombinant (r)HasCPL protein was generated for immunization study. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed HasCPL was a member of the papain family (clan CA) and have high sequence identities with CPLs of other Ixodid ticks. The efficacy of immunization against H. asiaticum infestations in rabbits was assessed. Rabbits (n = 3) were immunized three times with rHasCPL before challenged with 250 larvae per rabbit four weeks post-immunization. A high antibody titer was detected in immunized rabbits in comparison to control. Western blot analysis detected CPLs in midgut, salivary gland, and ovary. Increase of rejection percentage of larvae were noted in ticks fed on immunized animals in comparison to control. Overall, a 55.09% protection against larva ticks was noted.

Dark host specificity in two ectoparasite taxa: repeatability, parasite traits, and environmental effects.

We applied the concept of dark diversity (species that may potentially inhabit a locality but are absent) to the host spectrum of a parasite and defined it as dark host specificity (DHS). We studied the trait-associated and geographic patterns of dark host specificity in fleas and gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals, asking the following questions: (a) Is dark host specificity repeatable across populations of the same species? (b) Is it associated with morphological and/or ecological species traits? (c) What are the factors associated with geographical variation in the DHS among populations of the same species? The DHS was repeatable within species with a large proportion of variance among samples, accounted for by differences between species. The average DHS of fleas, but not mites, was affected by parasite traits, with the DHS being higher in fleas with larger geographic ranges, higher characteristic abundance levels, and summer reproduction peaks. In the majority of ectoparasites, the regional DHS decreased with an increase in either structural or phylogenetic host specificity. The associations between the DHS and the environmental or host-associated characteristics of a region were revealed in a few species (eight of 22 fleas and three of 12 mites). The DHS decreased with (a) an increase in air temperature in two fleas, (b) a decrease in precipitation in two fleas, and (c) an increase in regional host species richness (in three fleas and three mites). Overall, our results suggest that dark host specificity in arthropod ectoparasites is a species-specific character associated, to a large extent, with the breadth of their host-related niches, while the influences of parasite traits and local environmental conditions are minor.

Identification of the missing links in parasite–host networks using the dark diversity concept: a case study with two taxonomic groups of ectoparasitic arthropods and small mammalian hosts

Abstract Dark diversity (DD) is represented by species that may potentially inhabit a locality but are absent. We applied this approach to identify missing species and links in the interaction networks of fleas and gamasid mites with small mammals and asked (a) which factors affect host, parasite or interaction (= link) DD and (b) whether the probability of an interaction to be missing is associated with the host and/or the parasite traits. The DD of both parasite taxa increased with an increase in host DD. The DD of interactions increased with an increase in the DD of the respective parasite taxon. The quantity of missing flea–host links was affected by environment, whereas that of mite–host links was affected by host DD. The values of the probability of an interaction to belong to DD were similar (= repeatable) within host and flea, but not mite, species. The probability of a flea–host and a mite–host interaction to be missing was higher if social hosts that possessed complex shelter, had low population densities but large geographic ranges. The probability of a flea–host interaction to be missing was higher if a flea species was not abundant and preferred to spend most of its life on either the body or nest of its host but not both. In conclusion, we propose a relatively simple way to apply the dark diversity concept to assess the quantity of missing links in parasite–host networks, to identify these links, and to relate the probability of a link to be missing with parasite and/or host traits.

Temporal variation of metacommunity structure in arthropod ectoparasites harboured by small mammals: the effects of scale and climatic fluctuations.

We applied the elements of metacommunity structure (EMS) approach and studied the temporal dynamics of metacommunity structure in arthropod ectoparasites (fleas, gamasid mites and ixodid ticks) harboured by six small mammalian hosts sampled for three decades in the same locality in Western Siberia at three hierarchical scales (inframetacommunities, component metacommunities and a compound metacommunity). All metacommunities were positively coherent. Inframetacommunity structures varied across sampling periods in all host species. The main structural pattern in an inframetacommunity of the same host varied across sampling times but was mostly characterized by clumped species distributions (Clementsian, Gleasonian and their quasi-versions). Component metacommunities in five of the six host species were characterized by either a Clementsian or a quasi-Clementsian distribution. In four of the six host species, this pattern was driven by mite distribution. The temporal structure of compound metacommunity was characterized by a Clementsian pattern. In contrast to the majority of component metacommunities, this pattern was driven by fleas, whereas the temporal structure of gamasid mite compound metacommunities demonstrated a Gleasonian distribution. The temporal gradient in infracommunity composition was not associated with temporal changes in either air temperature or precipitation, whereas the precipitation gradient was positively correlated with the structure of component (in five host species) and compound metacommunities. In conclusion, the best-fit metacommunity structure of ectoparasites varies temporally due to temporal changes in distribution patterns that can be associated with year-to-year climatic variation, affecting both hosts and parasites.

THE EFFECT OF ACARICIDAL DRUGS BASED ON HERBAL RAW MATERIAL ON THE FERTILITY OF IXODES RICINUS

Therefore, a problem of successful control of ixodes ticks occupies the important place in veterinary medicine and requires searching of new highly effective ascaricidic drugs. Modern synthetic acaricides has led to the environmental pollution problems and further development of resistance within the target tick populations. It really appeared to be the environmental problem. Taking into consideration this fact, the ixodes tick's population decreasing is one of the most important tasks of veterinary science and it requires searching for new environmentally friendly and highly effective acaricides. The aim of our study was to compare the effect of an acaricidal drug developed by us (based on thymol and citral with the addition of sage essential oil) with a synthetic chemical (based on cypermethrin 0.125%) on the fertility of females Ixodes ricinus. Our research showed that the components of the drug can affect the reproductive function of females of ixodes ticks by prolonging the time of egg formation by 3-4 days and reducing their productivity by 80.8% and lead to the death of females before they have completed the process of egg production. The development of environmentally friendly acaricides to limit the number of ectoparasitic arthropods is of practical importance and can give a new understanding of the possible use of essential oils as a part of acaricidal and repellent drugs with low impact on the environment, as well as on human and animal health.

Communities of ectoparasitic arthropods associated with the root vole Microtus oeconomus in north-eastern Poland

Ectoparasitic arthropods communities associated with root voles Microtus oeconomus (Pallas, 1776) were analysed in north-eastern Poland. The first M. oeconomus parasites recorded in the history were the fleas Palaeopsylla similis Dampf, Ctenophthalmus congerer Rothschild, C. bisoctodentatus Kolenati, and C. solutus Jordan et Rothschild. Ctenophthalmus uncinatus (Wagner) and Doratopsylla dasycnema (Rothschild) fleas and the Ixodes apronophorus Schulze tick were recorded on M. oeconomus in Poland for the first time. These species are relatively rare in Poland and specific to other species of small mammals. The incidence of M. oeconomus infestations with I. apronophorus, D. dasycnema and C. uncinatus ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 %, respectively. There are large differences in the infestation of Dermacentor reticulatus larvae and nymphs between July and August. In July, D. reticulatus may be considered the dominant ectoparasite species, in August, it is partly replaced by I. ricinus and fleas and is subdominant.

In vitro acaricidal activity of essential oil and crude extracts of Laurus nobilis, (Lauraceae) grown in Tunisia, against arthropod ectoparasites of livestock and poultry: Hyalomma scupense and Dermanyssus gallinae

The current study assayed the toxicity of Laurus nobilis essential oil and crude extracts obtained using solvents of increasing polarity (cyclohexane, acetone and ethanol), on two ectoparasites of veterinary importance, i.e., Hyalomma scupense and Dermanyssus gallinae.The major components detected in bay laurel essential oil were dominated by 1.8-cineole (46.56 %), α-terpinenyl acetate (13.99 %), sabinene (7.69), α-pinene (5.75), linalool (5.50), methyleugenol (5.36 %) and β-pinene (3.97). The highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents were present in the ethalonic extract of L. nobilis leaves at an amount of 152.88 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight (GAE/g DW) and 21.77 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of dry weight (QE/g DW), respectively.In vitro acaricidal effects of essensial oil and crude extract of L. nobilis against H. scupense were ascertained by adult immersion test of engorged females (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT) compared with a reference drug amitraz.The essential oil exhibited strong acaricidal activity against tick engorged female and inhibition of hatching eggs. After 24 h of exposure, at the highest tested concentration (100 mg/mL) essential oil induced 90.67 % mortality of H. scupense larvae (LC50 = 10.69 mg/mL). Otherwise, essential oil exhibited high acaricidal activity compared to extracts, and among the extract, the ethanolic extract revealed the highest acaricidal efficacy (81.27 % female mortality).Results from mite contact toxicity showed that essential oil and extracts from L. nobilis were toxic to D. gallinae. Bay essential oil was both more toxic to mites, and faster in exerting this toxicity than other tested crude extracts. L. nobilis essential oil concentration leaded to enhance mortality of D. gallinae reaching the highest (100 %) mortality at 12 h with a concentration of 320 mg/mL. While, ethanolic extract acheived this rate after 24 h of exposure at same concentration. Cyclohexanic extract showed weak acaricidal activity.

Arthropod Ectoparasites Have Potential to Bind SARS-CoV-2 via ACE

Coronavirus-like organisms have been previously identified in Arthropod ectoparasites (such as ticks and unfed cat flea). Yet, the question regarding the possible role of these arthropods as SARS-CoV-2 passive/biological transmission vectors is still poorly explored. In this study, we performed in silico structural and binding energy calculations to assess the risks associated with possible ectoparasite transmission. We found sufficient similarity between ectoparasite ACE and human ACE2 protein sequences to build good quality 3D-models of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:ACE complex to assess the impacts of ectoparasite mutations on complex stability. For several species (e.g., water flea, deer tick, body louse), our analyses showed no significant destabilisation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike:ACE complex, suggesting these species would bind the viral Spike protein. Our structural analyses also provide structural rationale for interactions between the viral Spike and the ectoparasite ACE proteins. Although we do not have experimental evidence of infection in these ectoparasites, the predicted stability of the complex suggests this is possible, raising concerns of a possible role in passive transmission of the virus to their human hosts.

Tick Immune System: What Is Known, the Interconnections, the Gaps, and the Challenges.

Ticks are ectoparasitic arthropods that necessarily feed on the blood of their vertebrate hosts. The success of blood acquisition depends on the pharmacological properties of tick saliva, which is injected into the host during tick feeding. Saliva is also used as a vehicle by several types of pathogens to be transmitted to the host, making ticks versatile vectors of several diseases for humans and other animals. When a tick feeds on an infected host, the pathogen reaches the gut of the tick and must migrate to its salivary glands via hemolymph to be successfully transmitted to a subsequent host during the next stage of feeding. In addition, some pathogens can colonize the ovaries of the tick and be transovarially transmitted to progeny. The tick immune system, as well as the immune system of other invertebrates, is more rudimentary than the immune system of vertebrates, presenting only innate immune responses. Although simpler, the large number of tick species evidences the efficiency of their immune system. The factors of their immune system act in each tick organ that interacts with pathogens; therefore, these factors are potential targets for the development of new strategies for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. The objective of this review is to present the prevailing knowledge on the tick immune system and to discuss the challenges of studying tick immunity, especially regarding the gaps and interconnections. To this end, we use a comparative approach of the tick immune system with the immune system of other invertebrates, focusing on various components of humoral and cellular immunity, such as signaling pathways, antimicrobial peptides, redox metabolism, complement-like molecules and regulated cell death. In addition, the role of tick microbiota in vector competence is also discussed.

Prevalence assessment of ectoparasitic arthropods among commonly consumed wildlife in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria

BackgroundWildlife reservoirs not only act as a source of infection for vectors but also serve as hosts for the vectors themselves, supporting their populations. Their public health significance in developing countries is of growing importance as a result of zoonotic and enzootic diseases associated with the pathogens they transmit. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of wild game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria. Physical examinations were carried out on 143 wildlife, and laboratory identification was employed on the ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites were identified in the laboratory using literature and with the help of a taxonomist.ResultsOut of the 143 game examined, 114 was infected with at least one parasite representing about 98.6% of an infestation. Among the parasites identified, Amblyomma spp. showed the highest prevalence of 24.5% at 95% confidential intervals of CI (1.45–3.19)–24.5% (p ≤ 0.05). No difference was observed in the prevalence of the ectoparasites according to sex, except for Ixodes holocyclus. Similarly, no difference was observed in prevalence with reference to age except for Rhipicephalus spp. and Polyplax spinulosa which showed differences.ConclusionsThe present study provides basic data about the most prevalent ectoparasitic arthropod among game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria, which requires an evaluation of its zoonotic control measures. This work can elicit the risk of possible transmission of some zoonotic and enzootic diseases via game. Improving awareness among local people and bushmeat dealers about the risk of contracting a vector-borne disease through wildlife is crucial.

Four Species of Under-reported Parasitic Arthropods in Mexico and their Potential Role as Vectors of Pathogens.

Numerous arthropod taxa are important in human and veterinary medicine. The salivary secretions and feces of arthropods can cause allergic reactions in host vertebrates or harbor pathogens. Also, bites can be a risk factor for secondary infections. Documenting the diversity of arthropods of medical and veterinary importance remains an important aspect of disease control and prevention. We provide new records of ectoparasitic arthropods from Mexico that are of potential medical or veterinary relevance. Scanning electron microscopy along with amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene (16S rRNA) was used to confirm some species identities. We report the cat louse Felicola subrostratus from cats and the chewing louse Heterodoxus spiniger from dogs, which are common ectoparasites but largely not reported in Mexico. The chigger Eutrombicula alfreddugesi is common on wild lizards (Squamata). For the first time, E. alfreddugesi is reported on Hemidactylus frenatus (common house gecko). This reptile has a close relationship with humans and its chiggers can cause dermatitis (i.e., trombiculiasis) or transmit pathogens. In addition, the common bed bug Cimex lectularius is reported for the first time in the state of Yucatan, an atypical area for its natural distribution. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Cimex lectularius from Yucatan is closely related to genetic sequences of Cimex lectularius from China. Knowing the regional distribution of arthropods allows the design and implementation of prevention strategies for those that have potential roles as reservoirs or vectors.